Game of chance and skill, method of play, game components, and game board

ABSTRACT

Random-chance gaming components and a game table arrangement provide for games of skill, free from complicated rules, enabling unexperienced newcomers to participate. Participants do not play against each other, and individual wagers can be made uniform in amount. Each participant can, in sequence, have an opportunity to “toss” a pair of six-sided game components which are coded by number and by color. Return odds on particular combinations are presented on the game table; individual selection(s) for wagering are made by participants before a “toss”. A third game component provides possible percentage reduction(s) in the amount of return on a wager; such an arrangement can be used to pay for commercially run games; or, can be used for games run to help support a volunteer organization, or can help to establish funds when an individual “banker” is selected from among the participants in a residence, using game board arrangement as a table cover.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/240,134, filed Oct. 13, 2001.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] This invention is concerned with entertainment involving the exercise of intellectual choice and, in particular, a game with new random-chance gaming components and a new game board surface arrangement for play of the game.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An important object is to combine entertainment with skill at estimating probabilities and chance results, so as to provide the atmosphere of a casino without the complexities of prior casino games.

[0004] A related object is a game for a new type of gaming establishment which is attracting newcomers seeking entertainment without complicated rules and without undue financial risk.

[0005] A further object is to provide ease of game supervision and related gaming functions.

[0006] Another object is to provide new gaming components and a new gaming surface which inexperienced newcomers can readily understand.

[0007] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart for describing method of play for a specific embodiment of the invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a game surface of the invention for implementing the game with multiple participants;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a planar presentation of a first six-sided cubic-configuration gaming component of the invention;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a planar presentation of a second six-sided cubic-configuration gaming component of the invention which is played in combination with the component of FIG. 3; and

[0012]FIG. 5 is a planar presentation of a third six-sided cubic-configuration gaming component of the invention, played with the components of FIGS. 3 and 4, for enhancing chance results of the game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Games, such as craps, played in large casinos are complex, very fast moving, and can be costly in time and money before a newcomer can begin to adequately learn how to play.

[0014] A roulette table in large casinos can also be foreboding, with all play being against the “house” and with the outcome of some random events reserved strictly for the house; that is, in which all customer participants lose.

[0015] Whereas the gaming components, rules of play and play surface of the present invention enable easily-adapted play, provide for one, or a comfortable number of participants, can minimize, or eliminate, house participation in game playing aspects, and can be readily used in a private home or private club.

[0016] For purposes of describing the invention:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a flow chart representation of play of the game; FIG. 2 presents game board surface cover 20, for carrying out the method of FIG. 1, and enabling placing of wagers by participants on such game board; FIG. 3 presents a planar view of a first gaming component 22, and FIG. 4 presents a planar view of a second gaming component 24; third cubic-configuration gaming component 26 of FIG. 5 will be considered separately.

[0018] Each cubic-configuration gaming component has six substantially square, equal-area external surfaces. Each surface of the first gaming component 22 has a distinct numeric value, with half the numbers being even and half being odd. To help to readily distinguish the three gaming components during play, an overall background color for cube 22 is selected, for example, as blue.

[0019] The second gaming component, cube 24, has three surfaces which are black, and three surfaces which are red. That is, half of the six surfaces should present one color, with the remaining half presenting a second color differing from that of the first half of the surfaces. Other colors can be used, but color selection requires careful consideration in order to facilitate distinguishing the three gaming components during play of the game; for example, the blue background color of the first gaming component 22 should be avoided in other components.

[0020] The first cubic gaming component, 22 of FIG. 3, and second cubic gaming component, 24 of FIG. 4, provide the basis for estimating possible winning selections by participants.

[0021] However, the third cubic gaming component, 26 of FIG. 5, is not selected by participants; cube 26 can modify payout results, as will be disclosed after describing play of the game.

[0022] In play of the game, all three gaming component are tossed into play using a holder referred to as a “toboggan” (not shown); the toboggan has an open sleeve-like structure which holds the three gaming components, free of hand contact by the active (component-tossing) player. The direction for tossing the gaming components at start of the game is shown by arrow 27 in FIG. 2.

[0023] The goal for a participant is to successfully predict the outcome of the first two gaming components before play is started. A participant can win by estimating, before the start of the game, random occurrences that will be achieved after the simultaneously cast cubic-configuration gaming components come to rest. The gaming components are tossed in the direction 27 to come into contact with component-contact backboard 28 of FIG. 2 before coming to rest.

[0024] The playing surface (or game board) includes an elongated toss path, as indicated by the extension of arrow 27, which extends to contact board 28 (FIG. 2). The topography of the toss path places it at a lower position vertically than the wagering stations along each side of that path. The active player, for tossing the components, is located at 29, at one longitudinal end of that path; and the game “controller” is located at 30, at the opposite longitudinal end of that path.

[0025] After the cubic-configuration gaming components come to rest, the number on the upside of numeric cube 22, and the color on the upside of the second cubic component 24 provide the basis for determining a winner.

[0026] For example:

[0027] (A) the likelihood of a selected number on the upside of the six-sided cube of numeric component 22, combined with correctly selecting the upside color of gaming component 24, provides a probability which results in a payout of twelve-to-one; that is:

[0028] (i) a one-in-six probability on the numeric component 22 is multiplied

[0029] (ii) by the one-in-two probability of the color component 24, to provide

[0030] (iii) the twelve-to-one odds;

[0031] (B) the upside number of numeric gaming component 22, regardless of whether a color is chosen for color component 24, provides a one-in-six chance of selecting the correct number; and, free of any selection for color component 24, will provide for odds of six-to-one, if properly selected before start of the game;

[0032] (C) selecting a color for gaming component 24 (regardless of whether a number is chosen for the first gaming component 24) provides a one-in-two probability of picking the correct upside color of the two colors (red and black), and the payout is based on odds of two-to-one;

[0033] (D) whether the number of the first numeric gaming component 22 is odd or even (regardless of whether a color is chosen for second gaming component 24) provides a payout based on the probability (one-in-two) of choosing correctly;

[0034] (E) selecting whether the upside number of numeric component 22 will be odd or even and, also, choosing the upside color of the second gaming component 24, combines a two-to-one probability with an added two-to-one probability; a payout would be based on those combined probabilities; that is, four-to-one; and

[0035] (F) another winning selection, from the specific embodiment game board surface cover of FIG. 2, is based on the probability of an upside surface of the first gaming component 22 displaying a selected number out of three sets of consecutive numbers, such as “1 and 2”; “3 and 4”; or “5 and 6.” Selecting the correct upside number on cube 22, by choosing to play one of those sets, provides a probability of one-in-three; and the payout is based on three-to-one odds.

[0036] If an upside color were correctly selected for cube 24 in addition to choosing the correct number by means of a set, the combined odds are multiplied (three times two) to provide a payout based on odds of six-to-one.

[0037] The third gaming component 26 of FIG. 5, and its possible effect on payout, will be considered after further description of play of the game based on the first and second gaming components 22, 24. A non-conflicting color, such as purple, is selected for component 26.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the initial two steps (32, 34) refer to participant selections, generally privately analyzed without communication, before start of the game. The combinations, as described above, are taken into consideration. Then, an individual participant, including an active player selected for tossing the components, places a wager at the step designated 36 of FIG. 1.

[0039] When wagering around the table is complete, the controller, located at station 30 of FIG. 2 (who also generally acts as banker), signals for step 38 (FIG. 1); that is, simultaneously tossing all three gaming components.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the toss is carried out by means of a “toboggan” in the direction indicted by arrow 27 for “banking” contact with backing board 28.

[0041] When the toss is complete; that is, the three gaming components have come to rest after banking off of backboard 28, the next step, 40 of FIG. 1, “Evaluating Indicia on Gaming Components” is carried out.

[0042] A house banker/controller generally does not compete in the game against any of the participants; there may be an exception if the game were being played in a private club or home. The banker/controller provides (a) the three cubic gaming components, (b) identifies participants at the table and their respective wagers, (c) controls the order of play of the game, (d) collects non-winning wagers, and (e) makes payments to winners.

[0043] Among the advantages of the invention are the simplicity of play for a newcomer, the ease of administration of the game by a banker/controller, and the entertainment generated during play of the game.

[0044] Although the game is designed to enable play among friends in a private home or club, a banker/controller functioning for a gaming establishment is preferred for control of the game. Advantages are that more rounds of play can often be completed in a fixed time, and participants (generally about seven) are free of responsibility for flow of the game, thus enabling greater concentration on the probabilities of an outcome.

[0045] Each participant in the game has the chance to be an “active player”; that is, to throw the cubic-configuration gaming components. A fixed amount wager for each of one or more bets by one or more participants must be properly in place on the playing surface before simultaneously tossing the three gaming components for start of each game.

[0046] Each participant can make one or more equal wagers for his or her bet(s). The players are not playing against each other, and the dollar amount for each wager is fixed in advance, which provides for uniformity in calculating payouts. Each participant is testing his or her own skill at estimating probabilities and selecting winners as described above.

[0047] If a participant has correctly picked any of those winning selections or combinations, the participant is in a position to receive payment according to the probabilities for achieving such a result. As set forth above, each participant is making a selection or selections based on the first (numeric) and second (color) components of the three cubic components to be tossed.

[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, five of the six sides of gaming component 26 are blank, and the sixth presents a percentage. Any one of those five blank sides becoming the upside of the third component 26, after completion of the toss, eliminates any modification of the payout due, based on selected upsides of components 22, 24.

[0049] However, in the specific embodiment, the sixth side of the third component 26 is marked 50%. If that 50% designation occurs as the upside, after completion of the toss, each payout is decreased by one half to each winner. That occurrence also signals a change in the tossing participant (the active player).

[0050] A “round” with the same active player tossing the game components continues until the third component 26, of the specific embodiment, indicates a modification of the payout; then, the next designated participant will take his or her turn at tossing the three gaming components to start the first game of a new round.

[0051] The game can be played in a similar fashion with the banker/controller dispensing the three components onto the playing table using a chute, or so-called toboggan; however, individual player participation by tossing the components is preferred.

[0052] Other selections for the surfaces of the third cubic component (26, FIG. 5) can be utilized. For example, in another embodiment, the game can be played with the third gaming component (26) presenting two or three blank surfaces, provided such a change is made known in advance to each participant in a gaming establishment or in a private club or home game.

[0053] For example, instead of having a single surface with a percentage which decreases the payout for winning combinations by one half, more than one of the six surfaces can decrease payout for winning combinations. For example, the six sides could be 150%, 25%, 25%, blank, blank, blank. That arrangement provides a single chance for a significant increase in payout with a single occurrence based on the third component. Also, that arrangement provides a probability for more frequent rotation of active “tossing” players. However, the number of decreased payouts would be greater. A fixed fee for a gaming establishment would take into consideration such changes due to the third component.

[0054] A preferred game table design is described in relation to FIG. 2. In such a table, adequate spacing for “tossing” three cubic game components simultaneously is provided and, also, locations for placing wagers by a selected number of participants, such as three or four, along each side of an elongated tossing space.

[0055] While specific colors and arrangements for numeric, color, and payout modification gaming components have been described to facilitate an understanding of the invention, it should be recognized that changes in any of those specifics can be made without departing from the principles of the invention taught herein. Therefore, for purposes of determining the scope of the invention, reference shall be made to the accompanying claims. 

1. A game of chance for one or more participants, having three distinct gaming components of cubic configuration, each component presenting six equal-area substantially square external surfaces, comprising (A) a first such gaming component with each such surface presenting a single distinct number, each of increasing value; with (B) a second such gaming component presenting color, with (i) three of such six square surfaces of such second cubic-configuration gaming component presenting the same color, and with (ii) the three remaining square surfaces of such second cubic-configuration gaming component presenting a different color, which is identical on each remaining surface; (C) a third such cubic-configuration gaming component for determining possible modification in the payout from winning combinations of such first and second gaming components, with (i) the six equal-area square external surfaces of such third gaming component having (ii) at least one surface presenting a payout modification for winning combinations of such first two gaming components; (D) permitting each participant to place a wager, before start of play, based on estimating a particular outcome, or combination of outcomes, resulting from simultaneous play of such first and second gaming components; (E) simultaneously dispensing such first, second and third gaming components to tumble to rest within a confined-area runway, so as to reveal one upside square surface for each such gaming component; (F) evaluating one of such first and second gaming components, or a combination of both such first and second gaming components, for each participant, by selecting from the group consisting of: (i) as unaffected by a payout modification of such third component, and (ii) as affected by a payout modification indicia of such third gaming component; then (G) paying a participant based on such evaluation as set forth in Step (F).
 2. The game of claim 1, in which (A) such first cubic-configuration gaming component presents a single numerical value on each of its six external surfaces, and in which such values are in sequential numerical order; and (B) such second cubic-configuration has: (i) three such external surfaces exhibiting the color red, and (ii) three remaining square surfaces exhibiting the color black.
 3. The game of claim 2, in which indicia on such third gaming component consists of at least one surface of such six external surfaces presenting a percentage value of less than one hundred percent.
 4. The game of claim 3, in which indicia on such third gaming component consists of at least one surface of such six external surfaces presenting a percentage value greater than one hundred percent.
 5. The game of claim 3, in which a participant places a wager, before start of the game, based on a selection from the group consisting of: (i) one or more of such numerical values of such first gaming component, (ii) one of such colors of such second gaming component, and (iii) a combination of indicia of such first and second gaming components.
 6. The game of claim 5 in which, prior to simultaneous toss of such three gaming components, (A) such participant estimates a winning combination based on selection of a numerical value, after completion of such toss, for the upside surface of such first gaming component, with such selection being from the group consisting of: (i) an odd or even number, (ii) a number of the first two, or second two, or third two of such six sequential numerical values, and (iii) a number of the first half or second half of such six sequential numerical values; and (B) such participant selects a single color to result from toss of the second gaming component.
 7. The game of claim 5, in which the payout to a participant who correctly predicts a winning outcome, based on said first and second gaming components, is decreased by a designated percentage, which result is based on said third gaming component which is tossed simultaneously with such first and second gaming components.
 8. Process for conducting the game of claim 5, for one or more participants, comprising (A) providing a first cubic-configuration gaming component with indicia consisting of a single distinct numerical value, in sequence, on each of its six external surfaces, with half of such numerical values being even numbers and half of such numerical values being odd numbers; (B) providing a second such cubic-configuration gaming component having external surfaces distinguished by color, with (i) three of such six second gaming component external surfaces presenting a single color, and (ii) the three remaining surfaces of such second gaming component presenting a single color differing from such previously designated color; (C) providing a third cubic-configuration gaming component for modifying a payout from one of, or a combination of, such first two gaming components, in which at least one external surface of such six external surfaces of such third component indicates a percentage modification which decreases a winner's outcome as indicated by results of the simultaneous toss of such first two components; (D) permitting each participant to place a wager, before start of play, based on estimating a winning outcome resulting from indicia on such first and/or second gaming components; (E) simultaneously tossing such first, second and third cubic-configuration gaming components to reveal one upside external surface for each such gaming component upon completion of the toss; (F) evaluating the outcome, based on a previous selection of one or both such first and second gaming components, for each participant by selecting from the group consisting of: (G) paying a participant based on evaluating of combinations as set forth in step (F).
 9. A game board surface, embodying the features of the layout shown in FIG. 2, for playing the game of claim 5, with (A) an elongated runway for simultaneously receiving three cubic-configuration gaming components of substantially equal size, each with six substantially square external surfaces of equal area, as tossed for moving longitudinally of such runway; (B) wager selection locations for participants in such game located adjacent to such runway of such game board, and (C) a toss-contact barrier which such gaming components must contact before coming to rest, with such toss barrier being located at the longitudinal end of such elongated runway, which is opposite such longitudinal end, for receiving such gaming components cubic-configuration toss-way, which such gaming components must contact before coming to rest.
 10. The game board of claim 9, in which such wager locations includes: (i) at least one location for each color on such second gaming component, and (ii) at least one numerical location for each surface of such first gaming component, including: (a) six single numerical value locations, (b) odd and even locations for each half of such numerical values, and (c) a location for each third of such six numerical values. 